Everyday Cheapskate: Living with clutter is costing you money and you don’t even realize it

Let’s chat about something we all face from time to time: clutter. Who hasn’t had a moment when the junk drawer is overflowing, or the garage looks like a scene from a disaster movie? Oh, my! But beyond the annoyance of misplaced keys or a missing shoe, there’s a bigger issue at play. Today, I want to talk about the high financial and mental health costs of household clutter and how being disorganized can really take a toll on our lives.

THE FINANCIAL TOLL OF CLUTTER

Buying Duplicates: How many times have you bought something, only to find the exact same item buried deep in a closet later? It’s frustrating, right? But beyond that frustration, it’s also a drain on your wallet. When we can’t find what we need, we end up buying duplicates, sometimes triplicates, of items we already own.

Late Fees and Missed Payments: Disorganization can lead to lost bills and missed due dates. Those late fees and interest charges add up quickly, eating into your hard-earned money. A cluttered space often means a cluttered mind, making it easy to overlook important financial tasks.

Storage Costs: For some, the clutter gets so overwhelming that renting storage units becomes necessary. Those monthly fees can pile up, and before you know it, you’re spending a small fortune just to store things you don’t even use.

THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT

Stress and Anxiety: Walking into a cluttered room can instantly spike your stress levels. It’s hard to relax when surrounded by chaos. Clutter can make us feel overwhelmed and out of control, leading to anxiety and even impacting our sleep.

Decreased Productivity: A messy environment can be a major distraction. It’s hard to focus on tasks when you’re constantly reminded of the mess around you. This decrease in productivity can affect not just your personal life but your professional life.

Emotional Weight: Clutter often carries an emotional burden. Items we hold onto “just in case” or for sentimental reasons can anchor us to the past, making it difficult to move forward. This emotional weight can contribute to feelings of depression and helplessness.

STEPS TO TACKLE THE CLUTTER

Now, before we all start feeling too overwhelmed, let’s remember that small steps can make a big difference. Here are some simple tips to help you get started on the path to a clutter-free home and mind:

“One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, try to remove one old item. This helps keep the clutter from building up.

Create a System: Designate specific places for items like keys, mail and important documents. Consistency is key here -- make sure everyone in the household knows and follows the system.

Declutter Regularly: Set aside a few minutes each day or a block of time each week to declutter a small area. Breaking it down into manageable chunks makes the task less daunting.

Ask for Help: If the clutter feels too overwhelming to tackle alone, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, family member or professional organizer, a helping hand can make a big difference.

Let Go: It’s tough, but one by one, try to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. With each success, I promise it will become easier to repeat that process.

Clutter doesn’t just affect the appearance of our homes; it reaches deep into our wallets and well-being. By recognizing the hidden costs of disorganization, we can take proactive steps to create a more serene, efficient and financially sound living environment. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Every little step you take toward decluttering is a step toward a happier, healthier you.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”